PAL ready to handle security threats

PHILIPPINE Airlines (PAL) in a statement last week said it is always on "heightened alert status", implementing strict, round-the-clock security measures to ensure aircraft and passenger safety.

PAL made the assurance amid travel advisories issued by the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand, urging their nationals to take extra precautions when traveling to the Philippines.

"With or without travel advisories by foreign governments, Philippine Airlines always maintains a robust security system to address all kinds of threats," PAL President Jaime Bautista stressed.

He said PAL’s sophisticated security set-up, equipment and trained personnel complement the Philippine government's own security systems in the country’s airport terminals.

Bautista said PAL employs the following security measures to ensure the safety of its passengers and cargo:

deployment of explosive detection dogs or "bomb-sniffing dogs" in the pre-departure and arrival area of PAL’s home base at the NAIA Centennial Terminal 2. The dogs are from the Canine Unit of PAL's Security Sub-Department;

use of cargo x-ray machines in the cargo handling area in Manila and selected domestic stations;

regular training of PAL security personnel in local and foreign training
centers;

implementation of the "Secure Flight Program", which requires PAL's US-bound passengers to submit specific data for identification and validation purposes by the US Transportation Security Administration and Department of Homeland Security;

close coordination with local and foreign security regulators; and

implementation and strict adherence to aviation security programs/protocols by Philippine and foreign regulators